PhD student in Immuno-Oncology

Background. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) represents the most common leukemia in adults. Despite recent advances in treatments, CLL remains a deadly, incurable disease. This cancer is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal, apoptosis-resistant B lymphocytes in the blood and lymphoid organs in patients. CLL progression is highly dependent on complex interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, notably immune cells. We recently demonstrated that deregulation of mRNA translation is an important feature of CLL that can be targeted by specific therapies.

Objectives. This project aims to study translational control and tRNA modifications in CLL cells and immune cells of the leukemic microenvironment to characterise mRNA translation aberrations and identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. We demonstrated that specific tRNA modifications are crucial for disease progression and the immunosuppressive function of Tregs. We will now study in more detail their role in regulating cell-specific functions (proliferation, suppressive capacity, metabolism) and in translatome remodelling (polysome profiling, proteomics, RNA-seq).

Training and research environment. The Tumor–Stroma Interactions Research Group is a dynamic and multinational team whose members come from France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It belongs to the Department of Cancer Research, whose activities focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor progression using a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses, as well as in vitro and in vivo imaging modalities based on state-of-the-art animal models for cancer research. The PhD student will work under the co-supervision of Dr. J. Paggetti (PI) and Dr. A. Largeot (Senior Scientist). This is a collaborative project with Dr. Pierre Close (PI) from the University of Liège (GIGA, Belgium), a world expert in mRNA translation.

Recent related references: Largeot et al., Inhibition of MYC translation through targeting of the newly identified PHB-eIF4F complex as therapeutic strategy in CLL.Blood 2023 Jun 29;141(26):3166-3183

Rapino et al., Codon-specific translation reprogramming promotes resistance to targeted therapy. Nature 2018 Jun;558(7711):605-609

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or Immunology. Prior experience in cancer research would be an advantage.
• Experience in cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging, and flow cytometry.
• Experience in mouse experimentation and a FELASA diploma (or equivalent) would be considered an asset.
• Excellent time management, rigour, perseverance, and scientific creativity, along with strong writing skills, a sense of priorities, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

Researchers benefit from easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped facilities, an active seminar programme, as well as opportunities for close collaboration with universities and other research institutes.

More information about the group can be found here : https://tsi.lih.lu

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae accompanied by a cover letter outlining their motivation for the position.

Gender Equality

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.